ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan played host to Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye during an official working visit to the United Arab Emirates, where both leaders evaluated the current state of relations between their nations and explored avenues to deepen bilateral cooperation. Their discussions centered on investment opportunities, economic development, and regional and international issues of mutual concern. The meeting, held in Abu Dhabi on September 17, emphasized the importance of fostering stronger ties across multiple sectors.
In addition, Sheikh Mohamed and President Faye addressed preparations for the upcoming 2026 United Nations Water Conference, which the UAE and Senegal will co-host in Abu Dhabi from December 8 to 10. This event aims to hasten progress toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6, which advocates for universal access to clean water and sanitation. The leaders shared their perspectives on water-related priorities and their critical role in fostering economic growth and social well-being both within their countries and globally.
The conference is a key element of the ongoing cooperation between the UAE and Senegal, as confirmed by the United Nations General Assembly’s approval of the revised dates in May, moving the event to December 8 through 10. The gathering will feature plenary sessions along with six interactive dialogues focusing on vital water and sanitation issues, with the organization involving governments, international bodies, and other stakeholders in the preparatory phases. Abu Dhabi will serve as the main venue for the conference sessions.
Water Conference Solidifies Bilateral and Global Agenda
This September meeting built upon earlier diplomatic exchanges between the UAE and Senegal concerning trade, investment, and development, including President Faye’s visit to Dakar on September 4, where he was received by UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi. Their discussion covered trade relations, investment prospects in strategic sectors, and ways to enhance economic cooperation, contributing to a series of official contacts throughout 2026 dedicated to expanding commercial ties and developmental partnerships.
Further reinforcing these ties, President Faye also held discussions with Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan during his recent UAE visit. As UAE Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, Sheikh Mansour and President Faye explored opportunities for investment and development cooperation, as well as broader bilateral partnership initiatives. They exchanged views on issues of mutual interest, thereby strengthening the broader agenda discussed during President Faye’s meeting with Sheikh Mohamed.
Focus on Economic Collaboration Remains Central
Relations between the UAE and Senegal have increasingly emphasized investment, trade, and development, particularly during senior-level discussions this year, with officials from both nations engaging in meetings held in Abu Dhabi and Dakar. Moreover, both governments have actively collaborated on preparations for the United Nations Water Conference, including a high-level preparatory meeting hosted by Senegal in Dakar earlier in 2026, which assembled government representatives and stakeholders to discuss priorities ahead of the December event in the UAE.
The upcoming conference in December aims to expedite the global implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 6 concerning water and sanitation. Current United Nations statistics reveal that billions of people worldwide still lack access to safely managed drinking water or sanitation services, making the conference’s focus on financing, cooperation, environmental pressures, and water access highly relevant. For both the UAE and Senegal, this event signifies a major joint international effort within their broader relationship framework, which also encompasses economic, investment, and development collaboration.